Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 4:30 PM

Evaluation of Cotton Plant Growth Regulators in Arizona

Erin L. Taylor and Patrick A. Clay. University of Arizona, 4341 E. Broadway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Growing cotton in Arizona requires high water usage and an elevated use of nitrogen. Due to this, cotton growth habits become more vegetative than reproductive. This growth habit can cause yields to be lower. By identifying cotton plant growth regulators we are able to control the growth habits of cotton and increase the production of fruit on the plant. In 2006, we looked at several different cotton plant growth regulators with different timing intervals to determine the most efficient application regime. This trial compared products and timings to maximize fruit production on cotton. The plant growth regulator formulations that were compared included Stance, Pentia, Mepex, Mepex GinOut, and two experimental formulations. Timing of application varied from pin-head square and every one to two weeks after initial treatment to an as needed basis. Data that were collected includes full plant mapping (height, number of nodes, first fruiting branch, fruit aborts, nodes above white flower, and average node length) and yield data at harvest.

Poster (.ppt format, 125.0 kb)